We're looking for a compassionate, proactive and relationship-focused Youth Worker who is passionate about supporting students in Years 7-9 to thrive at school. In this role, you'll build positive connections with young people experiencing educational, social, emotional or behavioural challenges and work closely with families, school staff and external support services. You'll monitor attendance, provide early intervention and individual support, develop programs that strengthen students' social skills, confidence and engagement, and help remove barriers that place students at risk of disengaging from education. Most importantly, you'll believe in the potential of every young person and be committed to helping them feel supported, connected and successful at school.

Job details

About us:

Mackay State High School was established in 1912 and is one of Queensland's earliest state high schools. Originally located on what is now part of CQUniversity's Mackay City Campus, the school moved to its current site in 1962 and has continued to grow alongside the Mackay and Pioneer Valley communities.

For more than 100 years, the school has developed a strong reputation for academic, cultural and sporting excellence. Its former students have gone on to make significant contributions to the Mackay region and beyond.

Today, the school has approximately 1,260 students and combines its long-standing traditions with a modern approach to education. Its mission is to provide students with a strong foundation for successful citizenship through quality teaching and learning, supported by a diverse curriculum and strong student support structures.

The school promotes a positive culture based on Respect, Responsibility and Resilience, guided by its motto “Labour Vincit” (Work Conquers) and its vision, “We Believe... We Achieve #MackayHighPride.”

With dedicated staff, strong community support and a focus on providing opportunities for every student, Mackay State High School aims to help students thrive academically, socially and personally while preparing them for future success.

Your opportunity:

As the Youth Worker you will liaise between students, school personnel, and the home parents/guardians of any students who encounter educational, social, emotional or behaviour problems.

• Work closely with students, teachers, parents, guidance officers and community services to support student wellbeing.
• Monitor attendance and identify students at risk of disengaging or leaving school early.
• Build relationships with students and families, including conducting home visits when needed.
• Identify students experiencing personal, family or educational difficulties and provide appropriate support.
• Develop and implement programs focused on social skills, confidence, self-esteem and engagement.
• Coordinate strategies to reduce school avoidance and improve attendance.
• Maintain accurate records, spreadsheets and databases.
• Work with the school community to develop positive educational outcomes for individual students.

Please refer to the Role Description for a full list of responsibilities.

Interested? To Apply: 

• Attach a brief resume including contact details for 2 referees (referees should have an understanding of your relevant work history)
• Attach a 2-page written statement in response to the attached role description.
• Attach evidence of the mandatory requirements outlined in the attached role description.

We welcome all applicants to share any support needed to ensure our recruitment process is inclusive.

Applications remain current for 12 months from the closing date and may be considered for appointment to identical or similar vacancies within the Department.

Applications from recruitment agencies will not be accepted.

Further information

We are committed to building inclusive cultures in the Queensland public sector that respect and promote human rights and diversity.

For a full list of the position responsibilities and mandatory requirements, please ensure you download the attached Role Description and Applicant Information Package and follow the instructions.

Documents

Before applying for this vacancy please ensure you read the documents below.

• CQR701709_26P - Role Description (PDF, 274KB)
  Role Description
  
  Application Information Package (PDF, 285KB)
  Information Package for Applicants